Birth date: Jan 23, 1931 Death date: Aug 4, 2008
FURIA, Manuel 'Manny', 77, beloved accordionist and piano man, died on August 4, 2008 in Tampa. Manny had been a musician for 73, years beginning at 8 years old. He toured with a group known as 'The Foursome' and he and the other Read Obituary
To all it may concern I am the person that asked Manny to play in-a-gada-da-vida. He told me he could play anything so I was there with some close friends of mine and I said I was going to have Manny play it. In the highest respect we thought he could not do it but he did and we were amazed. I will always give credit where cdedit is due. That was at least 15 years ago. Manny may you rest in peace.
It is years now since Manny's death, of which I was not aware. Going through old memorabilia today, I came across an email from years ago and took a moment to check online to see if Manny was still out and about, playing his amazing accordion. I see that it is nearly 3 years since his passing, and I feel compelled to write a note of my gratitude for knowing this extraordinary man. We worked together for more than a decade at Bern's Steakhouse, between the late 80s and the late 90s. We remained in touch by email for several years after that. The first time Manny played accordion with me at the piano at Bern's, I was awe-struck. With his playing, it was as if an entire orchestra was backing me. The beautiful colorings, the masterful interpretation, it was magnificent. Manny, I miss you and feel deep sadness that I did not see you again before your passing. There was never a time we spoke that you did not have a kind word and a funny comment to make. You brightened my nights at Bern's. You once mentioned to me that Irving Berlin's "What'll I Do?" and anything by Sammy Fain were among the songs you loved best. Tonight, My Dear Friend, I will sing "What'll I Do" and "I'll Be Seeing You" by Sammy Fain, just for you. I miss you dearly, but I am so grateful to have known you. Joy Katzen-Guthrie, 7/16/11
On behalf of the entire staff of Boza & Roel Funeral Home, please accept our sincere condolences.
Manny was a warm human being, a great musician (with a tremendous repertoire), a friend and will always occupy a special place in our memories of wonderful times spent at Bern's. I know that he is now playing requests from so many old friends who have preceded him. We shall miss him.
Dear Furia Family: I'm very sorry to hear of Manny's passing. As a young boy, I remember him teaching accordion at my uncle Angelo's
studio. First on 21st street and Columbus Dr. and then on Nebraska Ave. Manny was a family favorite hanging around our house. I remember my grandmother making coffee and all of us with Manny sitting at the table talking.
In the years that followed I ran into him many times and he was always the same happy guy I remembered as a kid.
We even used to take walks at Horizon Park during the week some years ago and every time I'd go to Bern's I would see Manny and think back to those fond memories of yesterday.
I know that he is resting now and in a peaceful place. He deserves the peace and rest God is now allowing him to have. Sincerely,
Angelo Guida
My dad Mr. Michael owned the beauty salon next door to Berns. From time to time he would stop in for a martini after work. He knew Manny and always spoke very highly of him. I myself would run into Manny when eating at Berns and he would always say hi and acknowledge me with a song or two. You can be proud knowing Manny provided many pleasant moments for the guests at Berns, and I'm sure many others. Manny truly seemed to enjoy what he was doing-his music and his accordian. He was a talented individual. My sinserest condolences. My dad died in 1971...so I know the feeling. Life goes on...enjoy your memories!
Dear Furia Family: I'm very sorry to hear of Manny's passing. As a young boy, I remember him teaching accordion at my uncle Angelo's
studio. First on 21st street and Columbus Dr. and then on Nebraska Ave. Manny was a family favorite hanging around our house. I remember my grandmother making coffee and all of us with Manny sitting at the table talking.
In the years that followed I ran into him many times and he was always the same happy guy I remembered as a kid.
We even used to take walks at Horizon Park during the week some years ago and every time I'd go to Bern's I would see Manny and think back to those fond memories of yesterday.
I know that he is resting now and in a peaceful place. He deserves the peace and rest God is now allowing him to have. Sincerely,
Angelo Guida
My dad Mr. Michael owned the beauty salon next door to Berns. From time to time he would stop in for a martini after work. He knew Manny and always spoke very highly of him. I myself would run into Manny when eating at Berns and he would always say hi and acknowledge me with a song or two. You can be proud knowing Manny provided many pleasant moments for the guests at Berns, and I'm sure many others. Manny truly seemed to enjoy what he was doing-his music and his accordian. He was a talented individual. My sinserest condolences. My dad died in 1971...so I know the feeling. Life goes on...enjoy your memories!
